It’s very tempting to use online legal services such as Legal Zoom or Rocket Lawyer. The promise of quick, easy and, most importantly, affordable legal services at your fingertips … who doesn’t want that? What’s the difference between hiring a local attorney and using an online legal services website?
First, read the fine print and disclaimers. Legal Zoom states that “we are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.” Likewise, Rocket Lawyer states that they are “not a … law firm, do not provide legal or tax advice or representation … and are not intended as a substitute for an attorney, accountant, accounting firm, or law firm.” How confusing! Aren’t you using their services in place of hiring an attorney? Online legal services such as these are a good place to start to get some general background information related to your legal issue. If you know exactly what you need and simply need a template, they may be a good resource for you.
What are the benefits to hiring a local attorney instead?
You are hiring an attorney for the knowledge and expertise they provide, not just the documents they produce.
Online legal services are essentially a DIY endeavor. Your completed form is only a reflection of the information you enter. You may think you’re handling a situation in the best way possible and complete a form in line with that determination, but are you sure you’re making the right decision to accomplish your goals? Hiring an attorney allows you to have personalized interaction and communication regarding your specific concerns. Your attorney will discuss the best path forward after analyzing your situation. For example, maybe a transfer-on-death deed is the best way to transfer real property to a loved one instead of through a will. An attorney can advise you on the pros and cons of such an alternative.
You are building a relationship with your attorney.
Say you’ve formed an LLC. Now you have questions related to negotiating your lease, drafting contracts with vendors, and utilizing the S-corporation tax designation. Your attorney will evaluate the big picture and will be available for follow-up conversations to form a strategy. Hiring an attorney allows you to turn to someone you trust for your most important decisions.
You are hiring someone to do it right the first time.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had a new client contact me specifically because they tried the online DIY route first and realized later that they weren’t sure what they’d done or what to do next, only to discover that they did it incorrectly. Now we needed to undo what they did, and they hire me to do it right. This all adds up to more expense. There’s a reason attorneys attend law school for three years, are required to pass the bar, have legal malpractice insurance, and are accountable to their clients.
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